Mayor Bloomberg in Albany to discuss MTA toll and fare increases with state lawmakers

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is in Albany lobbying key lawmakers and Gov. David Paterson even as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority met to consider major toll and fare hikes and service cuts.

Associated PressMayor Michael Bloomberg is in Albany today.

Bloomberg is pushing stalled state legislation that could help bail out the financially troubled authority, which faces a $1.2 billion budget deficit. Legislation to impose a payroll tax in the greater New York City area and establish tolls over East River bridges has run into opposition in Albany, especially among lawmakers from the city's outer boroughs.

Bloomberg called Tuesday for angry commuters to complain to state lawmakers about their failure to help the MTA.